Not long ago, I started throwing wine-tasting parties for my friends. They raved about them so much that I turned it into a small business. Last year, I launched www.wine-tasting party.com, which offers my consultation services for people who wish to have a professionally run wine-tasting party for their friends, family and colleagues or to conduct a fund-raiser. I bring the wine, the glasses, the tasting notes and a fun, educational intention to learn about wine.
But, anyone can throw a wine-tasting party in his or her own home inexpensively.
First pick
First, decide how many wines you want to taste. I recommend a total of six wines — three whites and three reds. Now, for those of you that don't know much about wine and are asking yourself how you're going to pick out six wines for a party, don't panic.
Pick up a copy of a reputable wine magazine such as Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast and peek what wines they have rated for the month. Try some of the wines that they have rated more than 80 points. Be adventurous and try wines from countries other than our bear. You also can ask your wine merchant to help suggest some wines for you.
Budget bests
Set a budget. You'll be surprised to find that there are good, quality wines for less than $20. Many of the wines in these magazines can be found in this price range, and there are a lot of stores you can buy from that will give you an additional discount on a mixed case of wine.
Tasting totals
So, how many bottles do you need? One bottle of wine from a standard 750ml bottle will provide enough wine for 15 people. Remember these are tasting sizes (about one or two shots worth), not full or half glasses filled with wine. But, of course, once the "tasting" share is over, you want to have some wine left over for your guests to go serve to their favorites.
For a party of 15 to 20 people, you will need three to four bottles of each wine. If your guests are not heavy drinkers like my friends are, go for three. Two of each wine will suffice for the tasting portion. You can mix up the extra bottles however you like.
Paired off
Wine is meant to be drunk with food. My husband loves to cook, so we generally do an all-out food pairing. But, that can be a lot of work, and he tends to exercise all of his party time in the kitchen away from the guests. I wouldn't recommend that unless you're really into cooking. However, you can provide your guests some simple eats to pair with the wine and will give you time to enjoy your own party. If you have a bigger budget, hire a caterer.
Simple samples
The wines should be served white first and then red. Start with the lightest white wines and finish with the fullest-bodied red wines.
Try these six wines and their simple food pairings:
Champagne
Start off the evening with a Champagne or sparkling wine. This type of wine is a palate cleanser and gets your guests revved up for the festivities. I recommend Zardetto Brut Prosecco ($9) from Italy and Raventos I Blanc Cava Brut ($11) from Spain.
Potato chips are the perfect wine food, and they won't put a dent in your budget. Anything else salty also will suffice here. If you are catering, try some Asian fare.
White
Next, I usually go for the German or Austrian whites like a Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines pair well with enchanting food. I recommend Dr. Loosen Riesling ($8) and Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Kabinett ($16) from Germany and Hiedler Gruner Veltliner Loss ($12) from Austria. Try a jalapeno dip, hot pepper cheese or spicy chips. If you are catering, try Thai or Indian cuisine.
Chardonnay
The third wine should be the fullest white wine, and probably the most familiar to your guests — Chardonnay. Argentina and Australia are making great strides with this grape. I recommend Wolf Blass Gold Label ($16) and Jacob's Creek ($7) from Australia as well as Alamos ($8) from Argentina. Bring out a creamy cheese like Brie. If you are catering, try a creamy chicken dish or something with buttery sauce.
Pinot Noir
Now, for the reds. Again, you want to start with the lightest wines to the fullest wines. The first red wine should be a Pinot Noir, the lightest and most exquisite of all red wines. Oregon is making superb Pinot's and, of course, most Burgundy wines are made with this grape. Pinots are now all the rage thanks to the movie Sideways. I recommend Joseph Drouhin Laforet ($11) from France and Rosemount ($9) from Australia. Pinots are perfect with mushrooms, especially stuffed mushrooms. You might have to use the microwave on this one, but it is definitely worth it. Have the caterer make the stuffed mushrooms.
Chianti
For the next red wine, I either bring out a Spanish red, like a Tempranillo or a Chianti from Italy. Both are well-rounded medium to full-bodied wines. I recommend Borgo Scopeto ($16) from Italy and Castell del Remei Gotim Bru ($9) from Spain. You can start breaking out the desserts; since chocolate and red wine are scrumptious together or you can bring on the great cheeses — goat cheese and blue cheese. If you are catering, try game or a hearty meat dish.
Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
Finally, to end the evening, go with a big, bold wine. If you don't like a tannic wine (that drying sensation in the mouth that most people equate to being a wine that is too dry), you could go with a Merlot from Chile such as Santa Ema ($12), but I prefer the biggest wine of them all — Cabernet Sauvignon. Try X Winery ($15) from California, Montes ($12) from Chile or Tíntara ($16) from Australia. Bring out the brownies and chocolate cake. Have the caterer prepare pastries.
As an added bonus for your friends, supply them with paper and pens, so they can take their own tasting notes to compare with each other and bag those food pairings that are really going to make that home run.
In the destroy, it's all about having fun and enjoying wines with food that you like and sharing those wines with your closest friends. Now, open the remaining bottles and let the real party begin.
Salute!
